PM's youth push: AI skilling and coaching promises win praise, but some attendees demand action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, which focused on youth-centric initiatives such as artificial intelligence (AI) training and free online coaching, drew a mixed response from young attendees. While many welcomed the announcements, others expressed scepticism about their implementation, reflecting a broader divide in public perception.
Among those who lauded the Prime Minister’s proposals were Prabakaran and Rudreshwar, two Chennai residents associated with a microchip fabrication project supported by the NITI Aayog. Both were in the national capital for their project and attended the Red Fort celebrations for the first time.
“The announcement about the government providing AI training to students is appreciable. It will help the growth of AI-based products and create a talent pool of skilled people needed to bring about an AI revolution in the tech industry,” said Mr. Prabakaran.
Mr. Rudreshwar, however, pointed to a logistical gap during the event. “It would have been easier if other visitors also had access to the audio equipment provided to foreign dignitaries for translation of the speech,” he said, referring to the lack of translation facilities for the general public.
The Prime Minister’s announcements came against the backdrop of recent youth-led protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where students and job aspirants demonstrated over issues such as alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Seema Chaudhary, attending the event with her two children, praised the Prime Minister’s initiatives. Referring to the controversy over the NEET paper leak, she urged young people to focus on their careers rather than dwelling on such incidents. “The youth should rise above paper leaks and focus on doing well in life. Paper leaks happen in every government’s tenure. Students have to work hard even if it means appearing for the exams multiple times or choosing a different path in life,” she said, adding that she would give the same advice to her children.
However, not all attendees shared her optimism. Outside the venue, Sachin, who was painting visitors’ faces with the Tricolour for a small fee, offered a contrasting view. A Dalit, he said he had appeared for police and clerical-level job examinations but failed to secure a position, forcing him to take up vegetable vending. “If everything in the country is so good, why do people like me from marginalised sections struggle for education and jobs?” he asked.
Mr. Sachin attributed the difficulties faced by disadvantaged groups to what he called the “bureaucracy’s stranglehold” over the employment and education sectors. On the Prime Minister’s promise of free online coaching, he said, “It would help only if the scheme’s benefits actually reach the masses.”
The contrasting reactions at the Red Fort highlight the broader debate over the government’s youth-focused policies. While the announcements on AI skilling and online coaching have been seen by many as forward-looking steps to equip young Indians with future-ready skills, questions remain about accessibility and implementation, particularly for those from marginalised communities. As the country marks its 78th Independence Day, the voices at the venue serve as a reminder that the aspirations of India’s youth are as diverse as the nation itself.
